Renewable Fuels Testing Lab gets funding

July 10, 2007
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) has announced that a Renewable Fuels Testing Laboratory is one step closer to reality thanks to the $1 million the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has earmarked for the project

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) has announced that a Renewable Fuels Testing Laboratory is one step closer to reality thanks to the $1 million the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has earmarked for the project.

The Renewable Fuels Testing Laboratory will be built on the Iowa Central Community College (ICCC) campus at Fort Dodge, IA. “ISA has fully supported the Renewable Fuels Testing Lab and the ICCC biotechnology and biofuels program,” commented Ray Gaesser, ISA president and a soybean farmer near Corning, IA. “It has been a long-term priority for us.”

The laboratory will anchor the ICCC biofuels technology program, nationally recognized for providing highly skilled workers in the biodiesel and ethanol industries. Don Heck, program coordinator of the ICCC biotechnology and biofuels technology program, said the lab will be a fully independent, all-fuel testing facility. “Currently, it takes a one- to two-week turnaround at other fuel-testing labs. Our goal is to provide fuel test results in one to two days, and at a reduced cost.”

The ICCC lab is now testing fuels for the Decker study, which is a partnership of Decker Truck Line, Inc., ISA, the National Biodiesel Board, USDA and ICCC. Called “Two Million Mile Haul,” the study is examining the benefits of a 20% soy biodiesel blend (B20) being used by an over-the-road trucking company.

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) , a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee that approved the $1 million for the fuel testing lab, said it “will provide comprehensive fuel quality testing for the rapidly expanding renewable fuels industry.”

For more information about ISA, go to www.iasoybeans.com

About the Author

Deborah McGuffie-Schyhol

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!